Archive

February 3, 2026

Browsing

Mining major BHP (ASX:BHP,NYSE:BHP,LSE:BHP) has named the early stage explorers selected for its 2026 Xplor program, expanding the intake to a record 10 companies.

According to a Monday (February 2) press release, the latest cohort is the largest since the initiative launched in 2023, surpassing the previous high of eight participants announced last year.

Making up the list are exploration companies FrontierX from Canada, Litchfield Minerals (ASX:LMS) from Australia, Orion Minerals (ASX:ORN) from South Africa, Otrera Resources from South America and PT GeoFix from Indonesia.

The majority of the exploration companies have a copper focus, underlining growing global demand for the metal.

The cohort also includes the Utah Geological Survey in the US, which is Utah’s primary source of geologic data to support the industry, the government and the community. Technology companies that made the cut are RadiXplore from Australia, Mineural from Canada, VectOres Science from the US and Discovery Genomics from Canada.

RadiXplore and Mineural are maximizing artificial intelligence applications in the mining sector, while VectOres is applying its water and isotope chemistry platform to test mining data.

Discovery Genomics, which is based in Vancouver, is developing DNA sequencing as a new tool for mineral exploration.

“The 2026 cohort reflects how broad and dynamic early-stage discovery has become,” said BHP Xplor Head Marley Palin, adding that the program creates a uniquely collaborative environment. “We’re seeing exciting ideas emerge across exploration, data, and technology, often at the same time and in the same places.”

All winning companies will be granted equity-free funding of US$500,000 and structured learning, mentoring and access to BHP specialists for their exploration, technology and commercial processes.

“Exploration is evolving quickly. New tools, better data, and different ways of working are changing how early-stage ideas are tested and refined,” said BHP Group Exploration Officer Tim O’ Connor. “This cohort reflects that shift, bringing together explorers and technology developers who are approaching discovery in thoughtful and practical ways.”

Exploration companies selected by BHP in previous Xplor editions include Cobre (ASX:CBE), Hamelin Gold (ASX:HMG) and Viridian Metals (CSE:VRDN,OTCGM:VIRMF).

Applications for Xplor 2026 opened in October 2025. The new round brings the total number of companies assisted by the BHP Xplor program from 21 to 31.

Securities Disclosure: I, Gabrielle de la Cruz, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

While directly holding cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum is a popular option, investors looking for alternatives are clamoring for financial products such as crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Canada first launched Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs in 2021. These Canadian Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs allow investors to place returns in tax-sheltered accounts like tax-free savings accounts or registered retirement savings plans.

“There is a high demand for a Bitcoin product that has all the features that people love about ETFs — that they trade on an exchange, that they’re liquid,” Ross Mayfield of Robert W. Baird & Co. told Bloomberg in mid-2021.

Interest has only increased since then. In the US, Bitcoin ETFs’ net assets surpassed US$100 billion in November 2024, gaining ground on US gold ETFs. Sean Farrell, head of digital asset strategy at Fundstrat, wrote in mid-2023 that the Bitcoin ETF category at large has the potential to surpass the precious metals ETF market in terms of asset value.

‘Bitcoin ETF eventually could become >$300 billion category,’ he said in the note.

Ethereum ETFs have also become a major talking point. Ethereum is the most widely used blockchain technology, and Ether, the digital currency of this platform, is the second largest cryptocurrency after Bitcoin.

In Q2 2025, Canadian ETF firms launched North America’s first Solana and XRP spot ETFs, offering investors exposure to the significant altcoins. The launch of XRP ETFs by Canadian firms comes amid increased clarity regarding XRP’s regulatory status in the US.

With that in mind, investors should take a look at the currently available Canadian cryptocurrency ETFs.

The list below includes the biggest 15 crypto ETFs available on the Canadian market, sorted by assets under management, and all data presented was current as of January 15, 2026.

1. Purpose Bitcoin ETF (TSX:BTCC)

Assets under management: C$2.7 billion

The Purpose Bitcoin ETF, launched in February 2021, is billed as the world’s first physically settled Bitcoin ETF. It is backed by Bitcoin in cold storage, meaning the fund allows investors to add and sell Bitcoin with no digital wallet required.

Hosted by Canadian investment company Purpose Investments, the Purpose Bitcoin ETF has a management expense ratio of 1.5 percent.

2. Fidelity Advantage Bitcoin ETF (TSX:FBTC)

Assets under management: C$1.48 billion

The Fidelity Advantage Bitcoin ETF launched in November 2021. It offers the security of Fidelity’s in-house cold storage services for its holdings.

While it previously had a management fee of 0.39 percent, the Fidelity Advantage Bitcoin ETF lowered it in January 2025 to an ultra-low management fee of 0.32 percent.

3. CI Galaxy Bitcoin ETF (TSX:BTCX.B)

Assets under management: C$1.13 billion

Launched in March 2021, the CI Galaxy Bitcoin ETF was born out of a partnership between cryptocurrency leaders Galaxy Fund Management and CI Global Asset Management. Galaxy Fund Management is part of Galaxy Digital, a diversified financial services firm with a focus on digital assets and the blockchain technology sector.

The ETF’s objective is to give investors exposure to Bitcoin via an institutional-quality fund platform, as its holdings are wholly Bitcoin and are kept in cold storage. At 0.4 percent, this fund is one of the lowest management fees of the crypto funds on the market.

4. CI Galaxy Ethereum ETF (TSX:ETHX.U)

Assets under management: C$574.97 million

The CI Galaxy Ethereum ETF, another collaboration between CI and Galaxy, offers investors exposure to the spot Ethereum price through Ether holdings in cold storage. The fund launched on April 20, 2021, the same day as two of the other Ether ETFs on this list.

The CI Galaxy Ethereum ETF has a low management fee of just 0.4 percent.

5. Purpose Ether ETF (TSX:ETHH)

Assets under management: C$390.8 million

The Purpose Ether ETF is a direct-custody Ether ETF that launched on April 20, 2021. This fund currently holds over 83,000 Ether, which it stores in cold storage.

The Purpose Ether ETF offers investors exposure to the daily price movements of physically settled Ether tokens with a management fee of 1 percent.

6. Evolve Bitcoin ETF (TSX:EBIT)

Assets under management: C$270.39 million

Evolve ETFs partnered with cryptocurrency experts, including Gemini Trust Company, CF Benchmarks, Cidel Bank & Trust and CIBC Mellon Global Services, to launch the Evolve Bitcoin ETF.

Launched a week after the Purpose Bitcoin ETF, its holdings of Bitcoin are priced based on the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate, a once-a-day benchmark index price for Bitcoin denominated in US dollars. The fund, which holds its own Bitcoin, has a management fee of 0.75 percent.

7. 3iQ Solana Staking ETF (TSX:SOLQ)

Assets under management: C$263.2 million

The 3iQ Solana Staking ETF is designed to provide investors with a user-friendly and secure way to gain exposure to SOL and earn passive rewards through staking. Its launch quickly garnered significant assets under management and attracted investments from SkyBridge Capital and two of ARK Invest’s ETFs.

For the first 12 months after its April 16, 2025, launch, the ETF features a 0 percent management fee. After this initial period, the management fee will be 0.15 percent, the lowest on this crypto ETF list by far.

8. 3iQ XRP ETF (TSX:XRPQ)

Assets under management: C$162.67 million

The 3iQ XRP ETF provides investors with exposure to XRP, the digital asset native to the XRP Ledger. The ETF, which launched on June 17, 2025, is passively managed and aims to track the performance of the CME CF XRP-Dollar Reference Rate. The underlying XRP is held in secure cold storage.

The fund’s primary objectives are to give unitholders an opportunity for long-term capital appreciation through exposure to XRP and its daily price movements against the US dollar.

This XRP ETF had a 0 percent management fee for its first six months after its June 17 launch, after which time the company stated it would change to to 0.59 percent.

9. Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF (TSX:BTCY)

Assets under management: C$145.5 million

The Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF uses a covered call strategy to generate yield for investors. Its distributions are paid monthly and it has a management fee of 1.1 percent.

A covered call strategy involves writing call options on Bitcoin, which give the buyer an option to purchase an asset at a specific price on or before a specific date. Its structure allows the fund to earn income from option premiums while providing investors with exposure to Bitcoin’s price movements.

10. Purpose XRP ETF (TSX:XRPP)

Assets under management: C$122.5 million

The Purpose XRP ETF started trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange on June 18, 2025, as part of the launch of Canada’s first XRP ETFs. The fund invests directly in XRP, offering investors access to the XRP spot price.

The new asset is offering a 0 percent management fee through February 2026, after which time it will have a management fee of 0.69 percent.

11. Evolve Cryptocurrencies ETF (TSX:ETC)

Assets under management: C$93.9 million

The Evolve Cryptocurrencies ETF launched in September 2021 as the first multi-cryptocurrency ETF, providing combined exposure to both Bitcoin and Ether. Its holdings have since expanded to include XRP and Solana.

This product from Evolve ETFs allows investors to diversify their crypto portfolios and provides indirect exposure to the four coins by holding the individual Evolve ETFs dedicated to each coin.

Its holdings are weighed market capitalization and rebalanced on a monthly basis. Bitcoin makes up the vast majority of its portfolio at over 75 percent.

While this ETF has no management fee, the underlying funds that hold Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP funds have management fees of 0.75 percent, while the Solana ETF has a management fee of 1 percent.

12. Fidelity Advantage Ether ETF (TSX:FETH)

Assets under management: C$90.5 million

Following the successful launch of its Bitcoin fund, Fidelity brought its Advantage Ether ETF to market in September 2022, making this the newest Ether ETF in Canada. Its holdings are stored in Fidelity’s in-house cold storage.

The Fidelity Advantage Ether ETF has a low management fee of 0.4 percent.

13. Evolve Ether ETF (TSX:ETHR)

Assets under management: C$87.74 million

The Evolve Ether ETF offers investors an easier route to investing in Ether. The fund’s holdings of Ether are priced based on the CME CF Ether-Dollar Reference Rate, a once-a-day benchmark index price for Ether denominated in US dollars.

It entered the market in April 2021. As with the Evolve Bitcoin ETF, the Evolve Ether ETF has a management fee of 0.75 percent.

14. Purpose Ether Yield ETF (TSX:ETHY)

Assets under management: C$81.2 million

Like the Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF, the Purpose Ether Yield ETF offers investors an opportunity to invest in Ether while also generating yield. Purpose Investments lends a portion of its Ether holdings to institutional borrowers and earns interest on those loans.

Investors who purchase shares of this ETF receive a portion of the interest earned in monthly distributions. This Ether ETF launched in November 2021 and has a management fee of 1.1 percent.

15. Purpose Solana ETF (TSX:SOLL)

Assets under management: C$70.3 million

The Purpose Solana ETF gives investors exposure to the price of the Solana cryptocurrency. Its purpose is to provide a regulated and convenient way for investors to participate in the Solana market without the complexities of directly buying and storing the digital asset.

A key feature of this specific ETF is that it was one of the world’s first with staking built right in. It has a low management fee of 0.39 percent.

Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Jacques Bonneau, veteran geologist and author of ‘The Art of Investing in Junior Mining,’ shares his system for evaluating juniors, as well as seven companies he likes right now.

Among other factors, he discusses his six golden rules for investing in junior mining stocks.

Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Rick Rule, proprietor at Rule Investment Media, is positioning in the oil and gas sector, but thinks a bull market is two or two and a half years away.

In his view, copper is likely to be the next commodity to begin a bull run.

Click here to register for the Rule Symposium.

Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Gold and silver prices have experienced one of their most savage corrections in decades.

After hitting a record high of close to US$5,600 per ounce in the last week of January, the price of gold took a dramatic U-turn on January 30, dropping as low as US$4,400 in early morning trading on Monday (February 2).

That’s a loss of more than 21 percent in a very short timespan.

Silver is also on this rollercoaster trend. As per usual, the white metal slid even harder than gold, dropping from an all-time high of more than US$120 per ounce to a low of about US$71 on Monday, a steep 35 percent drop from its peak.

As the trading day progressed, gold and silver prices demonstrated stabilization with slight rebounds; however, volatility remains the name of the game as investors take time to decipher what the shift means for precious metals markets.

Let’s look at the primary driver for the shakeup in gold and silver prices and what it may mean for investors.

Trump’s Fed chair nomination calms risk-off sentiment

Precious metals are a complex market, and prices are driven by a myriad of factors.

For this latest price movement, the biggest trigger was US President Donald Trump’s nomination of Kevin Warsh, a former Federal Reserve governor, to replace Jerome Powell as the next Fed chair.

Powell, whose term expires this coming May, has faced heavy criticism and targeted legal attacks from the Trump administration, which wants the Fed to cut interest rates in a hurry.

For months now, market participants have been piling into gold on the belief that Trump would try to use his position to nominate a puppet dove as Fed chair and push for greater influence over monetary decisions.

If that were to occur, it would not only undermine Fed independence, but looser policy decisions could in turn further weaken the US dollar on the global stage and lead to higher inflation.

Such an environment is price positive for safe-haven assets such as gold and silver. But with the more hawkish Kevin Warsh as the nominee, the belief is that swift rate cuts aren’t necessarily on the table.

“His focus on real-time data and fundamentals could bring much-needed modernization to the Fed’s framework, at a time when investors are seeking transparency and credibility in monetary policy.”

That shared sentiment among investors led the US dollar to strengthen sharply. The precious metals and US dollar share an inverse relationship — as gold and silver are typically priced in US dollars, a stronger dollar makes purchasing them much more expensive for foreign buyers. This leads to lower demand and downward pressure on prices.

Will gold and silver prices recover?

Does the largest correction in decades mean the party’s over for gold and silver prices?

It’s more likely to be a healthy correction in an otherwise strong bull market for precious metals. Don’t forget that one policy event does not foretell the complete collapse of the strong fundamentals underlying the gold and silver markets. There is still a very strong case for the precious metals bull market given the high demand for gold from central banks and institutional investors. And industrial demand for silver is still expected to eclipse available mine supply.

Not to mention, there’s still optimism that the Fed will need to lower rates to deal with the nation’s ever-growing mountain of debt — which could become impossible to service at higher rates.

“Our view remains that structural forces continue to support a lower-rate environment, which should be constructive for risk assets. We remain focused on fundamentals and are positioning client portfolios accordingly,” stated Hulick.

For those investors still optimistic that gold and silver are in the early stages of a bull market cycle, this rundown in gold and silver prices may represent a buying opportunity.

Securities Disclosure: I, Melissa Pistilli, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com